One of Sydney’s most colourful events – perhaps THE most colourful – is the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. And this year, 2012, was no exception. The grand parade is always outstanding, but I wanted to look for something different.

So I set out with my faithful Samsung phone-cam and went behind the scenes, shooting in black and white.

I was most welcome (despite being straight!) as I wandered around the side streets ahead of the parade. Some of the sights I came across were mind-boggling, reminding me of the bizarre movie sets prepared by Fellini.